On July 16, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue applauded President Donald Trump’s selection of Dr. Scott Hutchins to be Undersecretary of Research, Education and Economics (REE) for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Following the announcement, Secretary Perdue issued the following statement:

“I am very excited by the selection of Dr. Hutchins for this leadership role at USDA. His extensive background in research and commitment to sound science and data make him exceptionally qualified for this post, and I am eager to have Dr. Hutchins join the team.

“USDA now has four highly qualified nominees awaiting action in the Senate Agriculture Committee. It is my hope the committee moves expeditiously to consider these highly qualified individuals as soon as possible. In addition, I also look forward to the full Senate voting on our General Counsel nominee as soon as possible.”